6.
• Hypothesis:
– If Wikipedia functions as a glass ceiling then
the women who are covered will be more
notable. Large gender gap for local heroes,
less gap for superstars.
• But how to assess notability of people?
6
Who makes it into Wikipedia?

22.
Summary
• Coverage of notable men and women on Wikipedia is good (if
we compare with external lists)
• Women are on average more notable according to internal
and external criteria
• Less female local heroes than expected
• Topical difference and linguistic bias
• Structural differences
22

30.
Conclusions
• Gender-neutral profession descriptions rarely exist on German
Wikipedia
• Also professions which are dominated by women nowadays refer
mainly to men
• Gender differences in the description of notable men and women
• Some inequalities simply reflect historic differences, others do not
– How to decide what is appropriate?
• Guidelines and automatic tools necessary to support editors
30